I’m pretty sure that one of the writers for The Onion is from Pittsburgh. Our neighborhoods pop up too much for it to be a coincidence. And of course, it’s even more fun when the stories show up on Literally Unbelievable:

A few friends of mine have started up a new blog, covering all kinds of things from a Pittsburgh perspective. So far they’ve covered sports, science, video games, politics and pop culture. Check out Tri-River talk here.

And lastly, as part of Health Care Reform, states are able to create their own health care exchanges. PA is working on their own (which I had no idea we were), and is set to open in two years. Seems pretty awesome, check out some of the details here.

That’s all I’ve found so far, but there may be some more coming up. Let me know in the comments what stories from 2011 you liked the best, and which ones you want me to revisit this year.

I have a bunch of items that I missed at various points throughout the year. So I figured instead of doing a retrospective, I’ll pull out these missed items. I’ll probably end up doing at least one more of these posts, so take a look and see what I wanted to write about, but didn’t (for various reasons):

Gardening with Doug has a story about the possible revival of the American Chestnut. I went to Saint Vincent College, and when the monks built the campus in the 1840’s, they primarily used American Chestnut from the aptly named Chestnut Ridge. After the blight came and devastated the species, the buildings (the Archabbey Basilica especially) became essentially priceless.

May I instead call your attention to an annual tradition of 96.1, the Freak Show Bracket.

Once again, it is broken out, not by conference, but by counties. And I have to say, down in the Fayette County Division, I don’t see the City of Uniontown doing all that well. This year also features contendors such as Charlie Sheen (you knew it was coming), Angry Brids, Ambassador Rooney, Geno’s Parents, Samoas, Julie Bologna and Brett Johnson’s Left Hook.

With the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations kicking off this weekend (I have to pull out my big hat), a few items that I’ve recently learned about Pittsburgh drinkers.

First, when you go to a bar and practically empty your pockets/purse onto the bar, that’s a Pittsburgh thing. And I”m very guilty of this, I almost always have my wallet and cell phone on the bar in front of me, and typically leave them there (even if I go to the bathroom).

Also another dead giveaway that you’re from Pittsburgh: leaving a $20 bill (or some other denomination) on the bar and expecting the bartender to make change from it (and you’ll presumably pull out tips as well) as you order more rounds.

Both of the above items have tipped off bartenders in other cities that the people telling me these stories (bartenders themselves) were from Pittsburgh. Thankfully, some people are kind enough that if they see you drop dow na $20 bill for a bottle of [insert your favorite beer here], they’ll make some comment about you being a Yinzer and then make change accordingly. Asshats will take the entire $20 as payment and tip.

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Move over, PedutoFox There is no way this can be real. How on earth does something like this happen?? Love it!

Wash your hands.Mike I haven’t seen them while I’ve been out and about (granted, I haven’t been in a school in...Eve I’ve seen these around Allegheny County for years…various schools, downtown businesses. It’s...

Only 72 days left…Fox I agree wtih you entirely. I have come SO CLOSE to blocking people on my Facebook news feed (as I’m sure...